There are a number of different types of payments available, depending on individual circumstances. The three most common for carers of people with dementia are: Carer Payment; Carer Allowance; Carer Supplement.
An advance care plan is a legal document that outlines a person’s wishes for their future health, financial and life choices should they be unable to make decisions for themselves.
Home care Package recipients with dementia may be eligible for the dementia and cognition supplement. The supplement rate is currently 10 per cent of the basic home care subsidy of the care recipient package.
No, you don’t! As of 1 January 2023, Home Care providers are no longer allowed to charge exit fees. This means that you have much more flexibility when it comes to choosing a provider. If you’re not happy with your current provider, there are no financial barriers to prevent you from moving your Home Care Package to a new one.
While Home Care providers charge a case management fee for the costs involved in creating your care plan, and conducting home visits for assessment and review purposes, there are additional costs involved in administering your care plan, managing your budget, and co-ordinating carers. These costs are covered by an admin fee your Home Care provider may charge you, and will vary from one provider to the next.
Home Care providers are allowed to charge a basic daily fee, in addition to their other fees, while Aged Care Homes all charge a daily care fee. With Home Care the basic daily fee is added to your budget, effectively increasing what you are able to spend on care and support.
In Aged Care Homes the daily care fee covers day-to-day costs including meals, laundry, and cleaning services.
An income-tested fee is a fee you might be asked to pay towards your Home Care. It is separate to the basic daily fee and is calculated based on your annual income not on your assets.
Your income is assessed during the process of applying for a Government Funded Home Care Package, but is reviewed quarterly for any changes. Annual and lifetime caps also apply to income-tested fees and you and your Home Care provider will be notified whenever you reach your annual or lifetime cap.
All levels of Home Care Packages are made up of a subsidy from the Australian Government. You may need to contribute to the Package out of your own pocket. However, the amount that you pay is influenced by several factors including whether or not your chosen Home Care provider charges you a basic daily fee, along with an income-tested fee you may have to pay based on your income (assessed at the start of each quarter).
More recently the Australian Government introduced annual and lifetime caps that apply to any income-tested fees you may have to pay. This is monitored by the Department of Human Services, and they will notify both you and your Home Care provider whenever you have reached your annual or lifetime cap.
The cost of Aged Care Homes or Nursing Homes is influenced by a number of factors, including whether you pay the Refundable Accommodation Deposit (RAD) in full or opt for Daily Accommodation Payments (DAP), or a combination of the two. Read more about difference between RAD and DAP Aged Care
Location also has considerable influence on the cost, with Aged Care Homes in major cities costing considerably more than those in more remote locations. And, a single, private room will cost more than a shared room.
CareAbout’s searchable database includes cost estimates – where available – for Aged Care Homes throughout Australia, while a CareAbout Advocate can consider your budget while helping you to find Homes that meet your needs, and even try to negotiate fees on your behalf.
Read this article to learn more: How much does a Nursing Home cost in Australia?
You are given a great deal of flexibility in terms of what you can spend your Home Care Package funds on, as long as they relate to your care and wellbeing. When you and your Home Care provider draw up your care plan you will be able to decide what you want to spend your funds on.
The types of home care services to consider are:
We all have the right to choose how we live. Changes to aged care in Australia have put you in control. Make sure you’re getting the right help and if you need support finding the right care provider for your needs or if you’ve got further questions, call CareAbout on 13 13 00.
Home Care Packages are available in all Australian States and Territories, from New South Wales, the ACT, and Victoria, through to Western Australia, the Northern Territory, and Tasmania. While you have to use My Aged Care to be assessed for a Home Care Package, we at CareAbout will be able to assist you in locating the ideal Home Care service provider. Call us today on 13 13 00 and get free, no-obligation access to our team of Aged Care Specialists.
